Newsletter
Kick off 2025 with the latest tech buzz from CES, Peertube's exciting makeover, and the evolving social media landscape! Plus, peek into our community's future plans. Grab your favorite drink, get cozy, and catch up with your Waffle Fam in this year's first newsletter. 🧇✨
First 2 Hours
Black the Fall blends moody dystopian atmosphere with clever puzzle-platforming. While not revolutionary, its polished mechanics and thoughtful level design create an engaging escape from an oppressive factory. Despite minor issues, it's a satisfying 4/5 waffles for genre fans.
Platforms and Services
Discover how Castopod's first 12 plugins are revolutionizing open-source podcast hosting. From enhanced analytics to custom RSS features, these new tools bring powerful customization options to independent podcasters. Learn what this means for your show and the future of podcasting.
Tools and Technologies
Behind the scenes look at revamping my content management system in ClickUp. From podcast production to game reviews, here's how I'm organizing multiple content streams and building a flexible workflow that evolves with my needs. Come peek into the Content Kitchen!
News
The inaugural Indie Game Awards delivered an unforgettable night of celebrations, with Balatro scoring big as Game of the Year. From heartfelt tributes to industry-changing announcements, the ceremony proved that indie gaming isn't just growing - it's revolutionizing how we play and connect.
First 2 Hours
Black Desert Online dazzles with stunning visuals but stumbles under its own complexity. With confusing systems, aggressive monetization, and a cluttered UI, this MMORPG feels more like homework than entertainment. Despite beautiful graphics and music, it earns 2/5 waffles. 🧇 #GameReview
Platforms and Services
PeerTube v7 brings a complete interface overhaul, featuring new eye-friendly themes, streamlined navigation, and improved accessibility. This major update transforms the open-source video platform into a more professional and user-friendly experience for creators and institutions alike.
General Gaming
When "independent" meets corporate backing, something doesn't add up. The latest gaming site claims independence while powered by Walmart - but can you really be free when wearing corporate chains? Let's talk about what true independence in gaming journalism means today.
Indie Gaming
Black Book blends deck-building strategy with rich Slavic mythology, putting you in control of Vasilisa, a young sorceress wielding forbidden magic. With atmospheric storytelling, meaningful choices, and deep card mechanics, it's a dark journey into folklore that's hard to put down.
Platforms and Services
PeerTube's new mobile app is revolutionizing how we watch videos online. Unlike YouTube's attention-grabbing tactics, this open-source app respects your time and privacy while delivering quality content. No endless scrolling, no data harvesting – just intentional video watching done right.
General Gaming
The gaming industry's shift towards aggressive monetization is changing how we play. From $20 weapon skins to endless battle passes, we explore how microtransactions became macrotransactions and what it means for the future of gaming. Is the pursuit of profit killing the fun?
First 2 Hours
Discover "Before We Leave," where peaceful city-building meets interplanetary exploration. Guide your civilization from underground shelters to the stars in this charming strategy game that perfectly blends planning, creativity, and relaxation.
